Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Our Focus is on Children! 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. ASD interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Individuals with ASD have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and play or leisure activities. The disorder makes it hard to communicate which may lead to difficult or unusual behaviors and poor relationships with other children and/or adults. Individuals with ASD may have repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to sensations (dislike of loud noises, touch sensitivity), unusual attachments to objects, and they may resist changes in routines. ASD may include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disability - Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger's Syndrome.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for regional services as a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a child/student must meet eligibility criteria as outlined in the Oregon State requirements. An eligibility evaluation will include

• A developmental profile
• Behavioral observations
• Direct interactions with the child/student
• A communication assessment
• medical statement
• An assessment to determine educational impact

What Services are Provided to Districts, Agencies, Children/Students and their Families?

Evaluation

Specialists licensed through Teachers' Standards and Practices Commission complete evaluations according to the student's needs. This may include

• Determining eligibility for special education services as a child/student with ASD
• Assistance in determining learning styles
• Developing a behavior support plan

Under Development: Pre-Referral and Referral Information Packet

Under Development: Pre-Referral and Referral Information Packet for EI/ECSE

Consultation 

Support is provided to the educational team on a variety of topics including

• IEP/IFSP development
• Curriculum adaptation
• Environmental modifications
• Communication development
• Social skills
• Self-Advocacy skills development
• Vocational/career skills development
• Daily living skills
• Training

A variety of workshop opportunities are provided including topics directly related to understanding Autism, appropriate instructional strategies, and behavioral support options. District teams and Regional Autism Specialists work together to access training needs and prioritize topics. Guest speakers are available to support identified areas of concern.

State Resource Library 

Located at Northwest Regional ESD. Oregon has a lending library that includes books, audiotapes, videotapes, a variety of articles, and sample curriculum materials regarding a wide variety of educational strategies for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Families and school staff can check out materials by contacting:

Laura LaMarsh
Phone: 503.619.1335
Email: llamarsh@nwresd.k12.or.us

Consortium Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

State supported regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Services are limited to evaluation, consultation, and training activities as a related service on the IEP/IFSP. When these supports are necessary at an intensive or ongoing level, or direct instructional support is needed, districts may request additional contracted consortium services funded by individual school districts.

Special Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder Grants and Projects